Wastewater Treatment Supervisor

Santa Barbara is nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Ynez Mountains making for one of the most beautiful City’s in California.  Located just 90 miles north of Los Angeles, Santa Barbara provides a unique living environment.  The City offers its approximately 95,000 residents a year-round mild climate with an average temperature in the 70’s, magnificent beaches, mountains and parks within minutes of a hustling downtown.

ABOUT US

At the City of Santa Barbara, the best part of our organization is our people. As a City of Santa Barbara employee, you will work in a collaborative environment with other motivated individuals who are passionate about their work. We strive to provide employees with the support they need to thrive and grow while fulfilling our Mission.

The Mission of the Public Works Department is to provide the community with the sustainable foundation to thrive by delivering quality services and public infrastructure through efficient and fiscally responsible practices.

THE POSITION

The City of Santa Barbara is seeking a highly motivated individual to supervise and assign duties to operators responsible for the operation and maintenance services of the City wastewater and recycled water treatment operations at the El Estero Water Resources Center.  Participates in the selection of assigned staff, provides or coordinates staff training, works with employees to correct deficiencies, and implements disciplinary procedures. Prepares various reports on operational activities.  Recommends and assists in the implementation of goals and objectives, establishes schedules and methods for providing wastewater system maintenance and repair services, implements policies and procedures.   Operates and has basic knowledge of Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition System (SCADA) for monitoring treatment process.  Assigns and monitors completion of housekeeping and maintenance activities in the Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) in support of the Asset Management Program.  Participates in the preparation and administration of wastewater treatment related budgets.  Monitors and interprets laboratory and operational data; ensures treatment processes are in compliance with regulatory guidelines; makes adjustments to treatment processes as necessary.  Prepares specifications for material and equipment purchases, requisitions supplies, materials and adherence to City, departmental and safety policies and procedures by personnel; conducts training sessions with employees regarding safety, equipment operations procedures and related topics.  Responds to and resolves difficult and sensitive citizen and/or staff inquiries and complaints.  Communicates with regulatory agencies such as: State Regional Water Quality Control Board (SRWQCB) and Santa Barbara Air Pollution Control District (SBAPCD).   Note: Incumbent may be required to be on stand-by, including holidays and weekends, for after hour’s response to emergency situations at any hour as needed.

BENEFITS

Knowledge of:

• Operations of modern activated sludge wastewater treatment, anaerobic digestion, wastewater solids handling, and recycled water processes.  Services and activities of a comprehensive wastewater treatment plant maintenance and repair program.
• Materials and equipment related to the operation and maintenance of wastewater systems and occupational hazards and standard safety practices.
• Principles of supervision, training, and performance evaluation.
• Asset management program procedures, guidelines, methods and practices. 
• Modern physical, chemical, and bacterial processes involved in wastewater treatment systems.
• Principles of municipal budget preparation and control.
• Principles and procedures of record keeping and reporting.
• Modern office procedures, methods and computer equipment and software applications.
• Pertinent Federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations as applied to operations of wastewater systems.

Ability to:

• Supervise, organize, and review the work of wastewater treatment operators. 
• Organize, direct and implement operation and maintenance schedules.
• Ensure employee compliance with Federal, State and local rules, laws and regulations. 
• Write concise and clear reports.
• Perform responsible and difficult work involving the use of independent judgment and personal initiative.
• Understand the organization and operation of the City and of outside agencies as necessary to assume assigned responsibilities.
• Read and interpret engineering blueprints, plans and drawings, specifications and technical manuals. 
• Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions, and implement recommendations in support of goals.
• Select, train, supervise, coordinate and evaluate staff.
• Create and maintain a positive work environment that values trust, respect, integrity, and honesty.
• Maintain accurate records and prepare clear and concise reports.
• Develop and implement goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for wastewater operations and maintenance.
• Respond to and resolve difficult and sensitive citizen inquiries and complaints.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING GUIDELINES

Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience:

Four (4) years of increasingly responsible experience in the operation, maintenance, repair and installation of wastewater treatment plant infrastructure, lift stations, and recycled water treatment facilities including one (1) year of supervisory experience.

Education and/or Training:

Equivalent to an Associate of Science degree with major course work in civil engineering, chemistry, biology, construction technology or a related field.

License/Certification Requirements:

Possession of a Grade III Wastewater Treatment Plant Certification issued by the State of California at time of appointment, and the ability to obtain a Grade IV certificate within one year of appointment.  Possession of a Grade V Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator certificate or an Advanced Water Treatment Operator (AWTO) certificate is desirable.

It is important that your application and supplemental questionnaire show all the relevant education, training, and experience you possess which qualifies you for this position. All applications and supplemental questionnaires will be reviewed, and the most qualified candidates will be invited to continue in the selection process. Be sure to be thorough in your responses. Statements such as “See application”, “Extensive Experience”, or "See Resume" are not an acceptable substitute for a completed application and supplemental questionnaire.  

The selection process may consist of an application screening, written exam, computer skills exam and/or an oral interview. The successful candidate's employment history will be thoroughly evaluated prior to appointment.

Communication regarding your application and/or status will be sent to the email address listed on your application.  Please check your email and spam regularly throughout the recruitment process. You may also log into your governmentjobs.com account to view these emails.

APPLICATIONS AND RESPONSES TO THE SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE MUST BE RECEIVED BY 5:30 PM ON WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16, 2025.

Salary : $125,115 - $152,078